Medical Malpractice

Tips for Selecting a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice cases can be complex, long-term projects for a lawyer to undertake. For that reason medical malpractice lawyers select their cases very carefully.

• Does the lawyer handle medical malpractice cases? How long has the lawyer been practicing in this area?
• Check out the lawyer's reputation and skills. Ask other lawyers. Ask friends and associates if they are familiar with the lawyer.
• Does the lawyer belong to the Association of Trial Lawyers of American and the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, or other personal injury lawyer associations?
• Is the lawyer available for an immediate appointment? Does the lawyer have the time and resources to give you the attention you require?
• Review the lawyer's biography and areas of practice on the firm's website.
• Visit the website of the state bar association, or call them, to assure the lawyer is in good standing.
• Is the lawyer conveniently located to assist you? Does the lawyer have strong ties in your community?
• Can the law firm endure the cost of pursuing the case on a contingency basis?
• Does the lawyer seem to have an interest in representing you?
• Will the lawyer be handling your case personally?
• Are you comfortable with the lawyer?

Burton & Simkin Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Burton & Simkin has an excellent track record in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. We consult regularly with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in evaluating and pursuing malpractice cases.

Do you have a case? Whenever you are ready, we are here to discuss your case. Contact one of our lawyers to arrange an initial meeting. Call 765-966-5518 or toll-free at 877-966-5518 or email us at info@burtonandsimkin.com

Medical Malpractice Issues

Following are some of the issues and information that may be relevant in a medical malpractice case.

Some examples of medical negligence or malpractice:

• Improperly performed procedures
• Failure to timely diagnose an illness or injury
• Improper diagnosis
• Improper charting of symptoms or medications
• Improper child delivery
• Improper care of the patient
• Improper use of medical devices
• Procedures without informed consent of patient
• Inappropriate or incompatible prescriptions
• Unnecessary procedures
• Proper care regardless of a patient's ability to pay
• Ongoing prescription of habit forming medications
• Physicians under influence of drugs or narcotics

Things to know:

• Estimates range from 90,000 to over 100,000 deaths per year result from medical malpractice
• A statute of limitations may apply, so contact a qualified medical malpractice lawyer quickly
• Others of the physician's patients may also be getting improper care. You may try to make contact with them.
• The care you receive should be documented to the best of your ability. Include timelines, dates, symptoms, physicians, conversations and treatments.
• You may wish to get a second opinion from another qualified physician.

Useful Links

• State of Indiana Medical Malpractice Information
• Five Steps to Safer Health Care
• Who Cares: Sources of Information about Health Care Products and Services
• Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care
• Healthfinder
• A Guide for Patients and Families
• Doing What Counts for Patient Safety